The beginning stages of a relationship can be exciting, nerve-racking, confusing, and overwhelming. It all begins with trying to decode the "signs" he's giving you and planning your strategy of when to call, when not to answer, and when to ignore him.

This is "the game" we try to play, to make sure our every move will win over our crush.

However, by playing the game of love, girls tend to drive themselves crazy by overanalyzing, overthinking, and agonizing over every move played.

So, why do we play games? Here are a few reasons, and ways that you can avoid losing both the game and your mind over a guy.

1) Level of Affection
It can be frustrating when you feel yourself falling for someone harder than you think they've fallen for you; gauging their level of affection can be irritating. When there is an unequal balance of feelings, we often resort to asking for advice from friends, magazines, and books on how we can "make" a guy fall for us. We are afraid of being vulnerable and have been told that the guy should chase the girl, not the other way around.

2) Control
Guys can seem detached from their feelings, especially in the beginning stages of a relationship. They can avoid confrontation or ignore you. As a result, much of the time we also try to appear this way and give off the vibe that we don't care as much, hoping that playing hard-to-get will leave them wanting more. This gives us a sense of control over where the relationship will go.

3) Self-preservation
It is all about not getting hurt, right? It's easier to think of witty comments and flirty gestures for the next time you see or talk to him than to say bluntly, "I like you," and risk rejection. The flirting game is almost a prolonged version of the question "Do you like me too?" You don't admit to your feelings, but rather give indications, hoping he'll reciprocate.

4) The Prisoner's Dilemma

If you and another person were suspects in a crime and questioned separately, you could blame him or stay quiet. If you blamed him and he stayed quiet, he'd get a long sentence and you'd go free. If you blamed each other or both stayed quiet, you'd both be sentenced, but for a shorter time. This scenario is an analogy to playing the game of love, because it's all about taking the risk of being the only one who is straightforward and trying to predict what the other person will say.

Trust your instincts. If you told each other that you liked each other, you could be secure and happy in knowing that he cares. However, it is understandable to hesitate. No one wants to be the one to admit she likes someone and be left with her feelings on the line if the other person doesn't reciprocate. Hence the reason we remain quiet: Most of the time, like prisoners with a dilemma, we'd rather have shorter and equal misery than be faced with the risk of being the only one hurting.

In the end, remember: Most people appreciate straightforwardness rather than games. You will both — hopefully — have equal control, and don't be misled: There is still an element of mystery and chase involved after you tell someone you like him. Guys say that girls feel a lot more awkward than they do, and they'd rather know what's up than have to decode signals. Muster up your courage and tell the truth — it's better to know sooner than later where you stand in a relationship.